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Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.C. S. Lewis

As an international student, before I came to college, I had never experienced icy winters. I was used to hot and humid weather, and part of the reason why I chose to attend the University of Illinois may have something to do with getting to touch snow for the first time in my life.

Before I started my freshman year here, I used to imagine what snow would feel like. From what I saw in the media, I imagined that snow was white, soft, and dry. I saw people dancing and running around in the snow, and felt jealous that I couldn’t experience those sensations myself. As I started to learn more about the United States though, I realized that very few people enjoyed winter as much as me. Frequently, my friends would remind that winters in Champaign

Career fairs are a major event held on campus. At the career fair, recruiters from all over the country come to the university to recruit the brightest and most talented individuals. There are several career fairs held on campus. Career Fairs are held at different times throughout the year. They are usually held in March and November. It is a very important day for students. By getting selected, their work experiences will be highly valued among companies after they graduate.

As a freshman, I heard about the career fair through my e-mail, and I was instantly curious about how students like me got selected by recruiters. When I found some free time between classes, I rushed over to the Illini Union, which is a major venue for career fairs. As I approached...

Though we don’t get nearly as much snow as some of the more northern states, the months of January and February are still probably my least favorite times of the year in Illinois. The holiday season is over, the school break is over, and it is still cold and dark outside. I strongly dislike scraping ice off my car in the morning and being able to see my breath while I wait for the bus. Not to mention the wind. I hate those cold bursts. Unlike fall, the spring semester really doesn’t do much to welcome you. To counteract these frigid images I decided to take an ISSS poll...

The first time my dad and I went to the PAR dining hall, we were both astounded! I could eat whatever I wanted. My dad was amazed at the stir-fry counter, the burrito corner, and the dessert options. When I asked him what he thought about how frequently I should eat, he replied “As often as you feel like”. I loved the dining halls but I wasn’t prepared for how I would face the idea of a buffet almost every single day. And that was the beginning of my Freshman 15!

If you haven’t heard of Freshmen 15, this is an important phase that freshmen or other new students go through, especially in the United States. Freshman 15 refers to...

It's finals time at U of I! This week, our International Orientation Student Leaders share some insights and tips on how to approach studying for finals and keep stress levels at a minimum. Best wishes to everyone!